eSports is a dynamic and rapidly growing industry. All over the world, eSports players, marketers, team managers, and competition organizers are in high demand. Some are even arguing for the inclusion of eSports in the Olympics. If you want to enter the field of eSports or if you want to take your already existing eSports career to the next level, you can set yourself apart by studying eSports!
For those who want to pursue eSports certifications in the USA, here is a list of options.
- New York University
- Ohio University
- University of California Irvine
- Southern Methodist University
- University of California Davis
- New York Institute of Technology
- Shenandoah University
- Full Sail University
The list below includes American universities that offer eSports Bachelor’s degrees.
- Shenandoah University
- University of New Haven
- Caldwell University
- Post University
- Harrisburg University
- Full Sail University
- American Military University
- Saint Peter’s University
- Fisher College
- University of Utah
Meanwhile, here is a list of US-based schools that offer eSports Master’s degrees.
- University of New Haven
- Shenandoah University
- Florida Southern College
- Clark University
- Miami University
- Post University
Lastly, here is a list of the top US eSports varsities that offer scholarships and other perks to their eSports players.
- University of California Irvine
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Miami University
- University of Utah
- Boise State University
- Georgia State University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Maryville University
eSports Certifications
eSports certifications are the most widely offered option for those who are interested in the field of eSports. Certificate programs are very convenient to complete, as they are usually shorter than other programs and can be taken while studying/working on other things.
New York University
New York University offers a Certificate in Sports Technology and Innovation. This course will provide students with a detailed history of eSports and will allow students to examine the different modalities of play, platforms for streaming, competition types, and team/league organizations. Moreover, this course explores the counterculture of eSports and how it has created a global phenomenon. This course is intended for recreational learners, students looking to explore a career in e-sports, gamers looking to get a better appreciation for the business side of the industry, those looking to expand their networks in the gaming/e-sports space, and even those in the advertising industry.
Accreditation
Ohio University
This university offers an eSports certificate for currently enrolled students that blends knowledge from several different disciplines to get learners ready to participate in management, technology, and game design for eSports. Students can opt between three tracks: sports management (for those interested in the business side of things), game design (for those who want to develop immersive experiences and games), and information technology (for those who want to improve their technical skills).
Accreditation
University of California Irvine
The University of California Irvine helps students turn their passion for gaming into a viable eSports career through their eSports Management Certification Program. The program spans 12 units, and students have the option to further specialize in eSports marketing. Through this program, students will learn much about the history, community, and business of eSports, as well as how to market to fans and decision-makers and how to manage an eSports live event.
Accreditation
Southern Methodist University
The eSports Business Management Certificate Program at Southern Methodist University is a fully online course that takes only 6 months to complete. Providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the eSports industry, those who take this program will walk away with knowledge of the nuances of revenue streams, sponsorships, and fan engagement, as well as the skills to initiate, plan, and execute live eSports events.
Accreditations
University of California Davis
Another option for those who want to pursue certification in an eSports-related degree online is the eSports Management Certificate Program offered by the University of California, Davis. This program is only 3-6 months long and is intended for individuals aspiring to launch or already beginning their career in the business of eSports (specifically, game developers, finance professionals, community managers, marketers, and project managers). A focus on eSports marketing is also offered.
Accreditation
New York Institute of Technology
For budding content producers, development specialists, team managers, marketing directors, and program managers in the field of eSports, this certificate program is for you. The eSports Management and Entrepreneurship course is 12 courses long. At the New York Institute of Technology, students will learn how to apply management and entrepreneurial concepts to the field of eSports through a combination of classwork and experiential educational activities.
Accreditation
Shenandoah University
Uniquely, Shenandoah University offers a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in eSports Medicine which provides healthcare professionals with an opportunity to specialize in and be leaders in the health, assessment, and treatment of injuries and illnesses related to eSports. Aside from this, Shenandoah University also offers an eSports Management Graduate Certificate for those who wish to be leaders in the field of eSports management (i.e. mid-level organizational administrators, tournament organizers, and production managers).
Accreditation
Full Sail University
The Game Business & eSports undergraduate certificate from Full Sail University equips students with the foundational skills necessary to excel in the gaming industry. Lessons cover the fundamentals of eSports production and venue logistics as well as the the principles of content creation, marketing, and storytelling. This course can be taken in campus and online.
Accreditation
eSports Bachelor Degrees
Shenandoah University
The eSports Management Track of the Bachelor of Science in eSports at Shenandoah University is designed to prepare individuals for careers in eSports management with interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional eSports organizations’ eSports event organizers and entrepreneurial eSports ventures. This course gives students a robust eSports background with a focus on business management.
Accreditation
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven’s interdisciplinary major in eSports and Gaming is designed to maximize the strengths of their programs in business, technology, engineering, and computer science. Students pursuing this degree can choose between the following courses:
- eSports and Gaming, General Concentration, B.S.
- eSports and Gaming, Game Studies Concentration, B.S.
- eSports and Gaming, eSports Performance and Health Concentration, B.S.
- eSports and Gaming, Corruption and Gambling Concentration, B.S.
Accreditation
Caldwell University
Caldwell University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in eSports Management to prepare students for careers in the popular eSports and gaming industries. Combining elements of sport and business management, the eSports Management coursework explores business, digital marketing, event planning, ethics, and the sociological impact of eSports. Sports electives that those in this degree can choose from include:
- Introduction to Sport Management
- Public Relations
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
- Field Internship
- Psychology of Sport
- Psychology of Addiction
- Sociology of Sport
Accreditation
Post University
Post University’s Bachelor of Science in Gaming and eSports Management program covers a variety of topics within the electronic gaming ecosystem, from eSports competitions and leagues to advertising and sponsorships. Courses cover aspects of game design and development, the psychology of video gaming, ethics in gaming, sales, project management, economics, and more. Students can choose to concentrate on event planning and management or entrepreneurship.
Accreditation
Harrisburg University
This Bachelor of Science degree program provides students with the skills needed to become a media content creator, event manager, specialized coach, organizational/team manager, marketing manager, or analyst in the field of eSports. Those pursuing the eSports Management, Production and Performance bachelor’s degree program in Harrisburg University will gain real world, hands-on experience by working with collegiate teams and professional eSports organizations in industry event venues.
Accreditation
Full Sail University
Full Sail University offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Business and eSports. The course focuses on Game Business Models (how gaming and eSports organizations operate and evaluate models of game publishing, licensing, and emerging business strategies for generating revenue) and eSports and Gaming Management (various team structures, partnership strategies, and corporate cultures and the buildup of leadership skills in performance and team management).
Accreditation
American Military University
The Bachelor of Science in eSports program of American Military University builds students’ knowledge and skill in the business and coaching elements of eSports. This is an online program where students can choose to concentrate on either eSports Business Administration or eSports Coaching and Athelete Development. Sample coursework in this university’s eSports degree program covers:
- The business of eSports
- Event and facility management
- Policy regulations
- Player development
- Media and production
Accreditation
Saint Peter’s University
This university offers a Bachelor’s in Business with a specialization in eSports. In this program, students are immersed in the culture of eSports while gaining skills in planning and strategy, event management, business development, marketing, and finance. Through this, they are better prepared to become content creators, producers, marketers, product managers, accountants, and lawyers in the field of eSports.
Accreditation
Fisher College
Students interested in eSports at Fisher College can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a concentration in eSports and Game Administration. Those in this course will have the opportunity to achieve these concentration-specific learning objectives:
- Identify strategies for how technology-based companies accomplish their goals
- Explore the relationship that games play in society and the industry that produces them
- Detail the role of the publisher and explore the complexities involved in promoting games and bringing them to the market
- Recognize the part conventions and trade shows play in the marketing efforts of eSports and gaming companies
Accreditation
University of Utah
Although not specifically focused on eSports, the Bachelor of Science degree in Games program at the University of Utah is still helpful for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field, such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.
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eSports Master Degrees
For those who really want to take their eSports career to the next level, a Master’s degree in eSports is the right move. A Master’s in eSports is not a very common accolade, which makes those who have it that much more valuable and desirable as employees.
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers an online Master’s in eSports Business. It was the first eSports business master’s program in North America and the first online program of its kind worldwide. It is 33 credits long and takes a year to complete. The online master’s degree in eSports business provides students with the theoretical and practical education required to succeed in the expanding and complex field of eSports. Students will gain a deep understanding of current and future issues in the industry and learn to conceptualize, develop, and execute major eSports business projects.
Accreditation
Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University is known for its robust investment and support in eSports. This university offers a renowned eSports Management MBA concentration, which prepares students to hold advanced positions in eSports management and/or to start their very own eSports venture. Potential careers include eSports mid-level organizational administration, senior marketing management, and eSports strategy management. Classes include eSports Consumerism, eSports Entrepreneurship, and eSports Digital Media Management.
Accreditation
Florida Southern College
The Master of Business Administration eSports Management Concentration is a good program comprised of courses associated with eSports tournament design, sponsorship activation, and fan engagement. It is a flexible 12-24 month long program that is nationally recognized. The program is delivered in a hybrid manner. Students are expected to meet on campus every other Saturday while the rest of their coursework is delivered and completed online. Here, students will learn the Business of Gaming, eSports Tournament Design, eSports Sponsorship Activation, and eSports Fan Management.
Accreditation
Clark University
Clark University offers a Master’s in Sports and eSports Administration that provides a unique combination of online classroom instruction and hands-on experience, equipping students to compete successfully for a range of sports management leadership roles. The program is composed of 8 required units and 2 program electives that give students the opportunity to explore their personal interests, including public relations, sports leadership, or a special topic of their determination.
Accreditation
Miami University
The Master of eSports Management from Miami University is a one-year, mostly online degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of the eSports ecosystem and best practices for management and leadership positions within the eSports industry. The courses provide an eSports foundation in all aspects of tournament organization, facility management, branding/marketing, sponsorship, logistics, team management, performance psychology and coaching, recruiting, finance, global issues, publishers, history, business models, media rights/legal, and, of course, broadcasting. In addition, students gain actual eSports tournament organization experience.
Accreditation
Post University
Post University offers a Master of Science in Gaming and Esport Management degree that explores the field of eSports and electronic gaming with courses that cover operations, emerging trends, gaming communication, market dynamics, eSports sales and marketing, and other such topics. This 30-credit program is typically completed in 22 months and is also available online.
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Top Universities for Varsity eSports
These are the US universities with award-winning eSports teams. Like any varsity team, their players receive support from their school, which can range from scholarships to team funding for competition fees and equipment. Many of these universities also have top-notch eSports arenas open for their entire student body to enjoy.
University of California Irvine
The University of California Irvine has scholarship teams for League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros.
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University of Texas at Arlington
This university has varsity teams for Rocket League, Overwatch, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros., and multiple eSports clubs for other games.
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Miami University
Miami University has a whopping total of 9 varsity teams in Halo, Hearthstone, League of Legends, NBA2k, Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., and Valorant.
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University of Utah
Competitively play League of Legends, Rocket League, and Overwatch for the University of Utah.
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Boise State University
Boise State University officially recognizes its Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends players, and more as official school varsity members.
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Georgia State University
The Georgia State University Panthers compete in League of Legends, SMITE, Paladins, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Brawlhalla, and Dragonball Fighter Z.
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Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University currently field teams in League of Legends, VALORANT, Rocket League, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros.
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Maryville University
Maryville University is a four-time eSports national champion. Their League of Legends and Overwatch teams are the most well-known.
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Sources
BestColleges. (2023, March 21). Top College Varsity eSports Programs. BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/top-college-varsity-eSports-programs/
eSports Wiki. (n.d.) UNIVERSITY eSports PROGRAMS – WHERE TO STUDY eSports IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. eSports.net. https://www.eSports.net/wiki/guides/university-eSports/
Giovanelli, J. (n.d.) SG Opinions: Why eSports Need to Be Considered an Olympic Sport. SportsGazette. https://sportsgazette.co.uk/eSports-need-to-be-considered-an-olympic-sport/